GOYERNMENT 417

him of the dynasty who is the most upright and wise in
knowledge and character. The Turkish nation is the
supporting power of the Khalif ate.

Upon the passing of this resolution, it was proposed
that November first and second should be set aside as
feast days, and the Grand National Assembly adjourned
to the noise of 101 guns. This was a great event in the
history of Turkey. Mohammed V, the Sultan in Con-
stantinople, upon the news of the resolution of the Grand
National Assembly, fled aboard a British warship in the
harbor of Constantinople and was carried to Malta.
From Malta, he went to King Husain of the Hejaz. Here
he does not seem to have received the hospitality he
desired and at present reports is in Europe. He claims
that he has not abdicated. On November 17, 1922, the
Grand National Assembly appointed in his place Abdul
Mejid Effendi of the family of Osman.

The position of the Sultan-Khalif is of course incom-
patible with the idea of a strong, nationalistic, Turkish
state. As Sultan, the holder of this position was the
head of the Ottoman Empire. As Khalif, he was the
"Commander of the Faithful" and theoretical head of
the Moslem world. The title of Khalif has only been
assumed by the Sultans of the family of Osman since
the year 1517, when Selim conquered Egypt, the territory
of the Mamelukes, whose ruler was thus dignified. The
title meant little then in the way of political power, but
has been revived, of late years, as a means of cementing
together the Moslem states. Among these Moslem states
there is spreading now, however, the fever of nationalism.
India, Egypt, and the Arab states are being affected.
Turkey is more than keeping pace with them in this re-
spect. "With these nationalistic movements, the position
of a Khalif, as head of the Moslem world, with political
power, is incongruous. The Grand National Assembly
of Turkey has for the moment, by its resolution, depriv-